Empey and Robinson hold talks on Harland and Wolff

Stormont Ministers Sir Reg Empey and Peter Robinson have embarked on a round of discussions aimed at saving the future of Belfast shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff.

The ministers held talks on Monday with senior management of Harland and Wolff, representatives of Titanic Properties and Fred Olsen Energy to discuss PricewaterhouseCooper’s assessment of the company’s rescue business plan.

Last week, H&W announced they were cutting almost 150 of its employees in a bid to preserve the firm's future. They also submitted a business plan to Sir Reg and Mr Robinson which outlined plans to dispose of a section of the company’s land in the lucrative Titanic quarter. The shipyard hopes that by selling the lease on the land, enough capitol would be generated to ensure the shipyard’s future in Belfast.

A spokesperson confirmed that the meeting had been important in helping all parties to be further appraised of each other’s positions.

“The Ministers are keen to facilitate Harland and Wolff in securing its future. The company has played an important role in the economy of Northern Ireland and believes there is considerable potential for job creation in the development of land which Harland and Wolff have identified as surplus to their future shipbuilding requirements,” she said.

“The issues are by their nature, complex and will require further discussion. The Ministers plan to convene a further meeting later in the week to take stock of progress,” the spokesperson added.